I was given a cpl cuttings from a contorted willow by a friend. They are basicly large branches, the largest being abt 3 to 4 inches around and abt. 5 ft tall. I have them in water now. Will they root or do I need to take off the smaller branches and use them as the cuttings to root? It is actually a salix matsudana or corkscrew willow native to China. I believe it only is active in a few states. If that makes any difference.
All willows contain a plant hormone that promotes rooting so they are usually very easy to propagate. A cut branch can actually be stuck directly into moist soil in the summer and roots will develop after only a few short weeks. The greener the branch is though the quicker the new roots will form so I'd take smaller cuttings from the large branches you have.
Thank you again. The other willow I had seems to be doing better after I cut the black top off (fingers crossed) =)
Fingers crossed the contorted willow root well for you and I'm pleased to hear the other one is still alive and doing OK. Kepp me updated on their progress won't you?
Sure will. I will post some pics later. We also have the front beds filled with gladiolus which are just forming the flower spikes I wanna get some shots of.
If you would like to make many cuttings, you can cut up the willow into short pieces and root each individually. I'd expect the pieces that are no bigger in diameter than your thumb to be the easier ones to root.
